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Young footballers from a Lanarkshire squad have publicly backed a fellow player who was affected by cyber-bullying.

The players from St Patrick’s Football Academy 2006 age group, who train at Bothwellhaugh, took to social media in a heartfelt post to tell their peer “don’t let the bullies win”.

Their video has been watched, shared, liked and commented on thousands of times as the boys urge the player to “continue to play your football as you’re a great player”.

St Patrick’s Football Academy 2006 coach Alex McMillan said: “The lads showed up at training a few weeks ago and a couple of them were talking about this girl who they know from playing against her, and they mentioned that she had been receiving some stick online after she had posted a video.

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“They were saying that it was clearly cyber-bullying and that it wasn’t right as she is a lovely girl and a cracking person.

“So I suggested that they send her a video showing their support, and they all jumped at the chance.

“I was very proud that the lads were aware of what was going on, as some of them have experienced cyber-bullying themselves and know that it is not right, and I’m pleased that they took steps against bullying.”

In their recorded statement the boys tell the young girl, who plays for another team in their league: “We are St Patrick’s 2006 and on behalf of me and my team mates we would like to show Kayleigh Mackay our support.

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“We have experienced the same harassment and bullying that you have received. We just want to say don’t let the bullies win and continue to play your football as you are a great player.

“We all play football as we love the sport, we are fully behind you and together we will beat the bullies.

“All the best to you and your team Kayleigh, stay strong.”

Kayleigh’s mum Margaret Anne Mackay, of Glasgow, was touched by the boys’ public message of support for her 13-year-old daughter and said: “They (St Patrick’s 2006s) are an absolute credit to their club and their parents and I am overwhelmed with the support they have shown my daughter Kayleigh. Thank you so much.”